The Emancipation Statue

A public sculpture called the Emancipation Statue represents the "breaking of the chains" of slavery upon emancipation. It can be found in Barbados to the east of Bridgetown near the center of the J.T.C. Ramsay roundabout created at the intersection of Highways 5 and ABC. Plantations were constructed all across the island to produce cotton, sugar, and tobacco after the English took over Barbados in the 17th century. The island's economy increasingly depended on the slave trade. Under Bussa's direction, the biggest slave uprising in Barbados's history occurred in 1816. The Emancipation Statue is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Barbados.

Slavery was still lawful even if the slave trade had been outlawed across the British Empire in 1807 (this would only be abolished in 1834). The idea that emancipation would be implemented gave rise to the insurrection, but it never materialized. Under Bussa's leadership, about 400 slaves assembled and attacked the Bailey's Plantation. Bussa was killed in the conflict, and the British ultimately put an end to the insurrection. Bussa rose to fame, and in 1985 a statue was built in his honor.

Location: Bridgetown, Barbados